Ceres Annual Report 2014http://www.ceres.org/resources/reports/ceres-annual-report-2014
Ceres began as a bold experiment 25 years ago, with just a few investors who envisioned a different way for companies and the capital markets to behave. At the time, our idea was radical: We set out to create a new sustainable business model that could protect the health of the planet and the long-term well-being of its people—all while strengthening, not limiting, our global economy.Ceres began as a bold experiment 25 years ago, with just a few investors who envisioned a different way for companies and the capital markets to behave. At the time, our idea was radical: We set out to create a new sustainable business model that could protect the health of the planet and the long-term well-being of its people—all while strengthening, not limiting, our global economy.

In our 2014 Annual Report, we look at how we’re catalyzing progress toward the Clean Trillion and our multipronged approach to water, which we call Value Every Drop.

]]>No publisherMegan Doherty2015-05-15T04:00:00ZResourceInsurer Climate Risk Disclosure Survey Report & Scorecard: 2014 Findings & Recommendationshttp://www.ceres.org/resources/reports/insurer-climate-risk-disclosure-survey-report-scorecard-2014-findings-recommendations
Amid growing evidence that climate change is having wide-ranging global impacts that will worsen in the years ahead, Insurer Climate Risk Disclosure Survey Report & Scorecard: 2014 Findings & Recommendations, ranks the nation's 330 largest insurance companies on what they are saying and doing to respond to escalating climate risks.Amid growing evidence that climate change is having wide-ranging global impacts that will worsen in the years ahead, Insurer Climate Risk Disclosure Survey Report & Scorecard: 2014 Findings & Recommendations, ranks the nation's 330 largest insurance companies on what they are saying and doing to respond to escalating climate risks. The report found strong leadership among fewer than a dozen companies but generally poor responses among the vast majority.

This report summarizes responses from insurance companies to a survey on climatechange risks developed by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). In 2013, insurance regulators in California, Connecticut, Minnesota, NewYork and Washington required insurers writing in excess of $100 million in direct written premiums, and licensed to operate in any of the five states, to disclose their climate- related risks using this survey.

The aim of the survey, and Ceres’ analysis of the responses, is to provide regulators,insurers, investors and other stakeholders with substantive information about the risks insurers face from climate change and the steps insurers are taking—or are not taking— to respond to those risks. Because virtually every large insurer operates in at least one of the mandatory climate risk disclosure states, this analysis effectively opens a window into the entire industry. The report distills key findings and industry trends, and includes company specific scores based on disclosed actions taken to manage climate risks. It also offers recommendations for insurers and regulators to improve the insurance sectors’ overall management of climate change risks.

]]>No publisherMegan Doherty2014-10-21T20:45:00ZResourceBenchmarking Air Emissions of the 100 Largest Electric Power Producers in the United States 2014http://www.ceres.org/resources/reports/benchmarking-air-emissions-of-the-100-largest-electric-power-producers-in-the-united-states-2014
This report examines and compares the stack air pollutant emissions of the 100 largest power producers in the United States based on their 2012 generation, plant ownership, and emissions data and shows a downward trend in nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxides (SO2), mercury and carbon dioxide (CO2) since 2000, with CO2 emissions decreasing 13 percent between 2008 and 2012.This report examines and compares the stack air pollutant emissions of the 100 largest power producers in the United States based on their 2012 generation, plant ownership, and emissions data and shows a downward trend in nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxides (SO2), mercury and carbon dioxide (CO2) since 2000, with CO2 emissions decreasing 13 percent between 2008 and 2012. The findings show that the industry is already shifting toward a combination of increased energy efficiency and lower carbon fuel sources.

Key findings of the report include:

NOx and SO2 emissions in 2012 were 74 percent and 79 percent lower, respectively, than they were in 1990 when Congress passed major amendments to the Clean Air Act. Mercury emissions decreased 51 percent since 2000.

CO2 emissions have decreased in recent years, declining 13 percent between 2008 and 2012. Energy efficiency improvements, displacement of coal generation by natural gas and renewable energy sources, and slower economic growth all contributed to the decline.

Coal accounted for 39 percent of the power produced by the 100 largest companies in 2012, down from 44 percent in 2011. Roughly 18 percent of the nation’s coal-fired generating fleet (over 58,000 megawatts) has been slated for retirement since 2010. Retiring coal plants tend to be older and smaller than the industry average. Also, average utilization of coal plants (how often the plants are run) has dropped from 73 percent in 2008 to 60 percent in 2013.

Benchmarking Air Emissions is the 10th in a series highlighting environmental improvements and progress in the nation’s electric power sector since 1997. The 100 power producers evaluated in the report represent 86 percent of the electric power generated in the U.S. and 87 percent of the industry’s pollution. Based on 2012 generation and emissions data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration and the EPA, the report is a collaborative effort between Ceres, Bank of America, four power producers (Calpine, Entergy, Exelon and Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG)) and the Natural Resources Defense Council, and is authored by M.J. Bradley and Associates.

]]>No publisherMegan Doherty2014-05-28T14:54:07ZResourceThe Future is Now: Ceres Annual Report 2013http://www.ceres.org/resources/reports/the-future-is-now-ceres-annual-report-2013-2014
The future that scientists have warned us— about in which the impacts of climate change begin to alter the health of the global economy and our way of life— is here.

This year’s annual report is a celebration of Ceres’ 25th anniversary. In these pages, you will find examples of how Ceres’ work has had a profound and lasting impact. In many ways, the interventions devised by Ceres and its powerful network of companies, investors and public interest groups have truly been game-changers. Ceres has driven decisions in corporate boardrooms that have, in turn, trickled down through operations and supply chains, resulting in tangible progress such as reduced energy use, lower GHG emissions, new good-paying jobs and savings for everyone.

]]>No publisherMegan Dohertyannual report2014-05-06T17:20:00ZResourceGaining Ground: Corporate Progress on the Ceres Roadmap for Sustainabilityhttp://www.ceres.org/resources/reports/gaining-ground-corporate-progress-on-the-ceres-roadmap-for-sustainability
This report evaluates how well 613 of the largest, publicly traded U.S. companies are integrating sustainability into their business systems and decision-making. The report— a collaboration between Ceres and Sustainalytics—assesses corporate progress across the four strategic areas first outlined in 2010 in the Ceres Roadmap for Sustainability.This report, Gaining Ground: Corporate Progress on the Ceres Roadmap for Sustainability, evaluates how well 613 of the largest, publicly traded U.S. companies are integrating sustainability into their business systems and decision-making. The report— a collaboration between Ceres and Sustainalytics—assesses corporate progress across the four strategic areas first outlined in 2010 in the Ceres Roadmap for Sustainability: Governance, Stakeholder Engagement, Disclosure and Performance.

Key findings include:

While many companies are taking action to reduce GHG emissions, few have set time-bound targets.

A growing number of companies are incorporating sustainability performance into executive compensation packages

More companies are setting clear sustainability standards for suppliers

In addition to informing the sustainability efforts of companies, the report provides important information to shareholders about how the companies in their portfolios are performing in key areas, such as disclosing material issues and engaging with stakeholders.

]]>No publisherMegan DohertyThe Road to 20202014-04-30T13:10:00ZResourceHydraulic Fracturing & Water Stress: Water Demand by the Numbershttp://www.ceres.org/resources/reports/hydraulic-fracturing-water-stress-water-demand-by-the-numbers
This Ceres research paper analyzes escalating water demand in hydraulic fracturing operations across the United States and western Canada. It evaluates oil and gas company water use in eight regions with intense shale energy development and the most pronounced water stress challenges.This Ceres research paper analyzes escalating water demand in hydraulic fracturing operations across the United States and western Canada. It evaluates oil and gas company water use in eight regions with intense shale energy development and the most pronounced water stress challenges. The report also provides recommendations to investors, lenders and shale energy companies for mitigating their exposure to water sourcing risks, including improvement of on-the-ground practices. The research is based on well data available at FracFocus.org and water stress indicator maps developed by the World Resources Institute, where water stress denotes the level of competition for waterin a given region. ]]>No publisherMegan Doherty2014-02-05T13:20:00ZResourceInvesting in the Clean Trillion: Closing The Clean Energy Investment Gap Executive Summaryhttp://www.ceres.org/resources/reports/investing-in-the-clean-trillion-closing-the-clean-energy-investment-gap-executive-summary
An executive summary of the Ceres report Investing in the Clean Trillion: Closing The Clean Energy Investment Gap.An executive summary of the Ceres reportInvesting in the Clean Trillion: Closing The Clean Energy Investment Gap.

In 2010 world governments agreed to limit the increase in global temperature to two degrees Celsius (2 °C) above pre-industrial levels to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. To have an 80 percent chance of maintaining this 2 °C limit, the IEA estimates an additional $36 trillion in clean energy investment is needed through 2050—or an average of $1 trillion more per year compared to a “business as usual” scenario over the next 36 years.

These new investments in clean energy—including renewable energy such as solar, wind and geothermal, energy efficiency and energy smart technologies such as power storage, fuel cells and carbon capture and storage—will provide multiple benefits. In addition to cutting greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2050, such investment will yield significant returns in the form of reduced fuel costs. Total fuel savings are an estimated $100 trillion between 2010 and 2050. Moreover, the greater job-creation potential of energy efficiency and renewable energy relative to fossil fuels makes clear that quadrupling annual global investment in clean energy will create millions of new jobs worldwide.

]]>No publisherMegan Doherty2014-01-15T15:35:00ZResourceInvesting in the Clean Trillion: Closing The Clean Energy Investment Gaphttp://www.ceres.org/resources/reports/investing-in-the-clean-trillion-closing-the-clean-energy-investment-gap
In 2010 world governments agreed to limit the increase in global temperature to two degrees Celsius (2 °C) above pre-industrial levels to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. To have an 80 percent chance of maintaining this 2 °C limit, the IEA estimates an additional $36 trillion in clean energy investment is needed through 2050—or an average of $1 trillion more per year compared to a “business as usual” scenario over the next 36 years.
This Ceres report provides 10 recommendations for investors, companies and policymakers to increase annual global investment in clean energy to at least $1 trillion by 2030—roughly a four-fold jump from current investment levels.In 2010 world governments agreed to limit the increase in global temperature to two degrees Celsius (2 °C) above pre-industrial levels to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. To have an 80 percent chance of maintaining this 2 °C limit, the IEA estimates an additional $36 trillion in clean energy investment is needed through 2050—or an average of $1 trillion more per year compared to a “business as usual” scenario over the next 36 years.

This Ceres report provides 10 recommendations for investors, companies and policymakers to increase annual global investment in clean energy to at least $1 trillion by 2030—roughly a four-fold jump from current investment levels.

]]>No publisherMegan Doherty2014-01-15T15:35:00ZResourceGuide for Responsible Corporate Engagement in Climate Policyhttp://www.ceres.org/resources/reports/guide-for-responsible-corporate-engagement-in-climate-policy
This report is designed to help companies inform and accelerate the policies most urgently needed to support a stable global economy. And it is designed to help businesses engage in national and international debates.A Caring for Climate Report by the United Nations Global Compact (UN Global Compact), the secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), in cooperation with the World Resources Institute (WRI), CDP, WWF, Ceres and The Climate Group.

Business support and policy endorsements are powerful. They provide trusted perspectives on the economic costs and benefits of policy options. They can also influence others within their industry, supply chain, or customer base.

This report is designed to help companies inform and accelerate the policies most urgently needed to support a stable global economy. And it is designed to help businesses engage in national and international debates, with a view to contribute to political progress on reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and adapt to disruptions in the global climate system.

]]>No publisherMegan Doherty2013-11-14T15:55:00ZResourceThe Future is Possible: Ceres Annual Report 2012http://www.ceres.org/resources/reports/the-future-is-possible-ceres-annual-report-2012
Our latest annual report highlights our accomplishments over the last year in mobilizing our powerful networks of investors and companies to integrate environmental and social concerns into their decision-making and operations. It discusses our efforts to move key economic players like the insurance industry and to transform capital market systems in order to address the most pressing sustainability challenges of our time—water scarcity, the depletion of natural resources, and the growing impacts of climate change.Our latest annual report highlights our accomplishments over the last year in mobilizing our powerful networks of investors and companies to integrate environmental and social concerns into their decision-making and operations. It discusses our efforts to move key economic players like the insurance industry and to transform capital market systems in order to address the most pressing sustainability challenges of our time—water scarcity, the depletion of natural resources, and the growing impacts of climate change.]]>No publisherMegan Dohertyannual report2013-09-25T14:25:00ZResourceFlaring Up: North Dakota Natural Gas Flaring More Than Doubles in Two Yearshttp://www.ceres.org/resources/reports/flaring-up-north-dakota-natural-gas-flaring-more-than-doubles-in-two-years
The tremendous growth of unconventional oil production in North Dakota has also led to a rapid rise in the production of associated natural gas. However, state authorities report that a large percentage of this gas does not ultimately go to market. Nearly 30 percent of North Dakota gas is currently being burned off, or flared, each month as a byproduct of oil production.

In its World Energy Outlook 2012, the International Energy Agency projected that the United States would become the world’s largest oil producer by 2020, a position the U.S. last held in the 1970s.This dramatic resurgence is being driven by technological advances like directional drilling and hydraulic fracturing, which are unlocking shale gas and tight oil resources that were previously uneconomic to recover.

This recent boom has been perhaps most evident in North Dakota, where oil production from the state’s Bakken formation increased 40 fold between 2007 and mid-2013, from 18,500 to 760,000 barrels per day (bpd).In May 2012, North Dakota surpassed Alaska to become the second-largest oil producing state in the U.S. after Texas.

The tremendous growth of unconventional oil production in North Dakota has also led to a rapid rise in the production of associated natural gas. However, state authorities report that a large percentage of this gas does not ultimately go to market. Nearly 30 percent of North Dakota gas is currently being burned off, or flared, each month as a byproduct of oil production.

]]>No publisherMegan Doherty2013-07-29T08:00:00ZResourcePower Forward: Why the World’s Largest Companies are Investing in Renewable Energyhttp://www.ceres.org/resources/reports/power-forward-why-the-world2019s-largest-companies-are-investing-in-renewable-energy
This report shows that a majority of Fortune 100 companies have set a renewable energy commitment, a greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction commitment or both. The trend is even stronger internationally, as more than two-thirds of Fortune’s Global 100 have set the same commitments.Large corporations are increasingly turning to renewable energy to power their operations. Companies are investing in renewable energy because it makes good business sense: renewable energy helps reduce long-term operating costs, diversify energy supply and hedge against market volatility in traditional fuel markets. It also enables companies to achieve greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction goals and demonstrate leadership on broader corporate sustainability and climate commitments.

This report shows that a majority of Fortune 100 companies have set a renewable energy commitment, a greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction commitment or both. The trend is even stronger internationally, as more than two-thirds of Fortune’s Global 100 have set the same commitments.

Through two dozen interviews with Fortune and Global 100 executives and analysis of public disclosures, the report finds that clean energy practices are becoming standard procedures for some of the largest and most profitable companies in the world, including AT&T, DuPont, General Motors, HP, Sprint, and Walmart.

]]>No publisherMegan Doherty2012-12-10T08:00:00ZResourceThe Road to 2020: Corporate Progress on the Ceres Roadmap for Sustainabilityhttp://www.ceres.org/resources/reports/the-road-to-2020-corporate-progress-on-the-ceres-roadmap-for-sustainability
The Road to 2020: Corporate Progress on The Ceres Roadmap for Sustainability assesses how U.S. businesses are progressing on sustainability and uses as a framework, The 21st Century Corporation: The Ceres Roadmap for Sustainability—a guide for integrating sustainability across a company’s entire enterprise. Specifically, it evaluates where 600 large publicly traded companies stand on sustainability issues in terms of governance, stakeholder engagement, disclosure and performance.The Road to 2020: Corporate Progress on The Ceres Roadmap for Sustainability assesses how U.S. businesses are progressing on sustainability and uses as a framework, The 21st Century Corporation: The Ceres Roadmap for Sustainability—a guide for integrating sustainability across a company’s entire enterprise. Specifically, it evaluates where 600 large publicly traded companies stand on sustainability issues in terms of governance, stakeholder engagement, disclosure and performance.]]>No publisherBrian Sant2012-04-25T10:40:00ZResourceFuel Economy Focus: Perspectives on 2020 Industry Implicationshttp://www.ceres.org/resources/reports/fuel-economy-focus
March 2011 - This fuel economy analysis, conducted in partnership with Citi Investment Research & Analysis, evaluates the potential impact that changes to the U.S. Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions standards may have on the auto industry in 2020. Federal and California state agencies tasked with developing these standards are expected to send their recommendations to the White House as early as May.March 2011 - This fuel economy analysis, conducted in partnership with Citi Investment Research & Analysis, evaluates the potential impact that changes to the U.S. Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions standards may have on the auto industry in 2020. Federal and California state agencies tasked with developing these standards are expected to send their recommendations to the White House as early as May.]]>No publisherBrian Sant2011-03-30T07:00:00ZResourceDisclosing Climate Risks: A Guide for Corporate Executives, Attorneys & Directorshttp://www.ceres.org/resources/reports/disclosing-climate-risks-2011
February 2011 - This Ceres report, developed with input from its 90-plus member Investor Network on Climate Risk, outlines generally weak climate disclosure to date by businesses and steps for improving such disclosure, especially in annual 10-K financial filings that are next due from companies by March 31, 2011. It comes just a week after the consulting firm Mercer issued a new study warning that climate change could increase investment portfolio risk by 10 percent over the next 20 years. February 2011 - This Ceres report, developed with input from its 90-plus member Investor Network on Climate Risk, outlines generally weak climate disclosure to date by businesses and steps for improving such disclosure, especially in annual 10-K financial filings that are next due from companies by March 31, 2011. It comes just a week after the consulting firm Mercer issued a new study warning that climate change could increase investment portfolio risk by 10 percent over the next 20 years.]]>No publisherBrian Sant2011-02-06T19:50:00ZResource